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Ventura College student Noah Toaso speaks during a discussion of the presidential election. Students and faculty had an opportunity to ask questions and make comments about the election results Thursday.
CHUCK KIRMAN/THE STAR

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About 400 students and faculty members at Ventura College gathered in the blazing sun Thursday to share their reactions to the presidential election.

The overwhelming message from the 30 to 40 students and faculty members who spoke was that people need to use the election results to galvanize change.

The impromptu meeting in an outdoor classroom was initiated by biology professor Kammy Algiers, who noticed that her students were having as much trouble as she was digesting the outcome of Tuesday’s election.

“I emailed around to the sociology and psychology professors I know to see if we could all gather outside. If they weren’t interested, I figured it would be just my class of about 30 kids outside, and that would be it,” Algiers said.

Not only were other faculty members supportive of the event, but Damien Peña, vice president of student affairs, was quickly able to have shade structures set up. And after the free-form discussion where microphones were passed around, T-shirts, water and ice cream were available.

“We did this because yesterday the students on campus were extremely stunned. We wanted to let them know that we will allow their voices to be heard in a structured, respectful way. Our office is always open,” Peña said.

The majority of the students spoke about their fears of a Donald Trump presidency, from students who were worried about family members being deported to those concerned that their LGBTQ rights to marriage will be taken away.

“We all need to spend our time and energy to support abolishment of the Electoral College,” said student Sharon Minkler, 43. “I don’t think it’s fair that some votes count more than others. It should be one person one vote, and that starts in California.”

Alex Muro, 26, said that while he doesn’t consider Trump a perfect candidate, the reason the Republican was elected needs to be addressed.

“I want to see my money working for myself. Nobody pays for my health care or anything else,” Muro said. “Industry is what drives this country, and at the end of the day, all that matters is being able to put food on the table.”

“I would have been unhappy with either of them — Hillary or Trump. There’s a huge disconnect between the people and the political parties,” Malcom said. “Bernie was qualified. Neither of the others was qualified.”

Norbert Tan, executive director of the Ventura College Foundation, said he was pleased that students had a chance to peacefully exchange views about the election.

“You need to continue to be informed and continue to go to classes,” Tan said. “It’s wonderful to hear young people voice their opinions. It’s inspiring to the faculty and administration to see such a diversity of points discussed in a responsible way."